KR20120129467A - A network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A network system is provided to enable a user to effectively produce, distribute, and store energy sources by dividing the energy operation area of energy consumption units. CONSTITUTION: A home area network(20) includes a plurality of energy consumption units. Each of the energy consumption units consumes energy generated from an energy generation unit. Each of the energy consumption units includes one or more control units for operating the energy consumption unit. An energy management unit controls the operation of the energy consumption units based on information related to the energy provided from the energy consumption unit. Each of the energy consumption units includes a time area which is different from the time area of another energy consumption unit based on energy cost information. [Reference numerals] (11,21) Energy generating unit; (12,22) Energy distributing unit; (13,23) Energy storing unit; (14,24) Energy managing unit; (15,25) Energy measuring unit; (26) Energy consuming unit; (27) Central managing unit; (28) Energy network assisting unit

Description

Network system {A network system}

The present invention relates to a network system.

The supplier simply supplied energy sources such as electricity, water and gas, and the consumer simply used the supplied energy sources. Therefore, effective management in terms of energy production, distribution, or energy use has been difficult to carry out. Therefore, a network system for effectively managing energy is required.

An object of the present invention is to provide a network system that can effectively manage energy sources.

A network system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a utility network including at least an energy generating unit; A home network consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit and including a plurality of energy consuming units including at least one control unit for driving; The energy consumption unit; And an energy management unit for controlling driving of the plurality of energy consumption units based on the information related to the energy supplied to the plurality of energy consumption units, wherein the plurality of energy consumption units corresponds to high cost information. Based on whether or not, the driving sections of the plurality of energy consumption units are controlled to be included in different time periods.

In addition, a network system according to another embodiment includes a utility network including an energy generator; A home network consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit and including an energy consumption unit including a first unit performing essential functions and a second unit performing functions other than the essential functions; An energy management unit provided in the utility network or a home network and managing information related to the energy rate in relation to the energy consumption unit, and based on whether the energy rate information corresponds to high cost information, the second unit It is characterized in that the restriction of the performance of the function is determined.

In another embodiment, a network system includes a utility network including an energy generator; A home network including an energy consumption unit for consuming energy generated by the energy generation unit; An energy management unit provided in the utility network or a home network and managing information related to the energy bill in relation to the energy consumption unit; And one or more components operable in a plurality of spaces defined inside or outside the energy consumption unit and consuming energy, and based on whether the energy fee information corresponds to high cost information. It is characterized in that it selectively acts on some of the space.

According to the present invention, the energy source can be efficiently produced, used, distributed, stored, and the like, thereby enabling effective management of the energy source.

1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.
2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.
3 is a block diagram showing a process of transferring information on a network system of the present invention.
4 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of two components constituting a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one communicator constituting communication means.
6 is a diagram illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates a process of performing communication between a specific component and a communicator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.
12 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to the invention.
Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a block diagram illustrating a control of a plurality of electrical appliances according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flow chart illustrating a control method for power saving driving a plurality of electrical appliances according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an additional function performing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an additional function performing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a component acting on a plurality of spaces according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a component acting on a plurality of space units according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an electric appliance according to the present invention.
23 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention.
24 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of an electric appliance according to the present invention.
25 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention.
26 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of an electric appliance according to the present invention.
27 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the invention.

1 is a view schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.

This network system is a system for managing energy sources such as electricity, water, and gas. The energy source means that the amount of generation, the amount of use, etc. can be measured. Thus, the energy source may be a SOURCE not mentioned above. Hereinafter, electricity will be described as an example as an energy source, and the contents of the present specification may be equally applied to other energy sources.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary network system includes a power plant that generates electricity. The power plant may include a power plant that generates electricity through thermal power generation or nuclear power generation, and a power plant using water, solar, wind, and the like, which are environmentally friendly energy.

In addition, the electricity generated in the power plant is transmitted to a substation through a transmission line, and the power station transmits electricity to a substation so that the electricity is distributed to a demand destination such as a home or an office.

In addition, the electricity produced by the environmentally friendly energy is also transmitted to the substation to be distributed to each customer. Then, the electricity transmitted from the substation is distributed to the office or home via the electrical storage device or directly.

Even in homes that use a home area network (HAN), they can produce, store, or distribute their own electricity through solar light or fuel cells mounted on a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), You can also sell the extra electricity to the outside world.

In addition, the network system includes a smart meter for real-time measuring the electricity usage of the demand destination (home or office, etc.), and a meter (AMI: Advanced Metering infrastructure) for real-time measurement of the electricity usage of a plurality of demand destinations. May be included.

The network system may further include an energy management system (EMS) for managing energy. The energy management device may generate information about the operation of one or more components in relation to energy (generation, distribution, use, storage, etc.) of energy. The energy management device can generate instructions relating to the operation of at least the component.

In the present specification, a function or a solution performed by the energy management apparatus may be referred to as an energy management function or an energy management solution.

In the network system of the present invention, one or more energy management devices may be present in separate configurations, or may be included in one or more components as an energy management function or solution.

2 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of a network system according to the present invention.

1 and 2, the network system of the present invention is constituted by a plurality of components. For example, power plants, substations, power stations, energy management devices, appliances, smart meters, capacitors, web servers, instrumentation devices, and home servers are the components of network systems.

In addition, in the present invention, each component may be constituted by a plurality of detailed components. For example, when one component is a home appliance, a microcomputer, a heater, a display, and the like may be detailed components.

That is, in the present invention, everything that performs a specific function can be a component, and these components constitute the network system of the present invention. In addition, the two components may communicate by a communication means.

In addition, one network may be one component or may be composed of multiple components.

In the present specification, a network system in which communication information is associated with an energy source may be referred to as an energy grid.

The network system according to an exemplary embodiment may be configured of a utility network (UAN) 10 and a home network (HAN) 20. The utility network 10 and the home network 20 may communicate by wire or wirelessly by communication means, and bidirectional communication is possible.

In this specification, a home means a group of specific components such as a building, a company, as well as a home in a dictionary meaning. And, utility means a group of specific components outside the home.

The utility network 10 includes an energy generation component 11 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 12 for distributing or transferring energy, and an energy storage unit for storing energy. An energy storage component 13), an energy management component 14 for managing energy, and an energy metering component 15 for measuring energy related information.

When one or more components constituting the utility network 10 consume energy, the component that consumes energy may be an energy consumer.

The energy consumption unit is a component corresponding to the energy consumption unit 26 constituting the home network 20, and is the same component as the energy consumption unit 26, or another component that is distinguished from the energy consumption unit 26. Can be understood.

The energy generator 11 may be, for example, a power plant. The energy distribution unit 12 distributes or delivers the energy generated by the energy generator 11 and / or the energy stored in the energy storage unit 13 to the energy consumption unit 26 that consumes energy. The energy distribution unit 12 may be a power transmitter, a substation, or a power station.

The energy storage unit 13 may be a storage battery, and the energy management unit 14 is related to energy, the energy generating unit 11, energy distribution unit 12, energy storage unit 13, energy consumption unit ( 26) generates information for one or more of driving. The energy management unit 14 may generate a command regarding the operation of at least a specific component.

The energy management unit 14 may be an energy management device. The energy measuring unit 15 may measure information related to energy generation, distribution, use, storage, and the like, and may be, for example, a measuring device (AMI). The energy management unit 14 may be a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in other components.

The utility network 10 may communicate with the home network 20 by a terminal component (not shown). That is, information generated or transmitted in a specific component constituting the utility network 10 may be transmitted through a terminal component or may receive information from another component. The terminal component may be, for example, a gateway. Such terminal components may be provided in one or more of the utility network 10 and the home network.

The terminal component may be understood as a component necessary for transmitting and receiving information between a utility network and a home network.

In addition, the two components constituting the utility network 10 may communicate by a communication means.

The home network 20 includes an energy generation component 21 for generating energy, an energy distribution component 22 for distributing energy, and an energy storage component for storing energy. 23, an energy management component 24 that manages energy, an energy metering component 25 that measures energy-related information, and an energy consumption component that consumes energy. 26, a central management component 27 for controlling a plurality of components, and an energy grid assistance component 28.

The energy generation component 21 may be a household generator, the energy storage component 23 may be a storage battery, and the energy management component 24 may be an energy management device. The energy metering component 25 may measure information related to generation, distribution, use, and storage of energy. For example, the energy metering component 25 may be a smart meter. The energy consumption unit 26 may be, for example, a heater, a motor, a display, or the like constituting a home appliance or a home appliance. Note that there is no restriction on the type of energy consumption unit 26 in this embodiment.

In detail, the energy generator 21 may be understood as a component of another utility network 10 that generates energy to be supplied to the home network 20.

The energy management unit 24 may be a separate configuration or may be included as an energy management function in other components.

In detail, the energy management unit 24 constituting the utility network 10 or the energy management unit 24 constituting the home network 20 may be mounted on one or more components among a plurality of components constituting the networks 10 and 20. , May exist as a separate device. The energy manager 24 may recognize information related to energy (energy information) and state information of components controlled by the energy manager 24.

The energy generator 21, the energy distributor 22, and the energy storage unit 23 may be individual components or may constitute a single component.

The central management unit 27 may be, for example, a home server that controls a plurality of home appliances.

The energy network assistant 28 is a component that has an original function while performing an additional function for the energy network. For example, the energy network assistant may be a web service provider (for example, a computer), a mobile device, a television, or the like.

In addition, the two components constituting the home network 20 may communicate by a communication means.

Energy generation unit 11, 21, energy distribution unit 12, 22, energy storage unit 13, 23, energy management unit 14, 24, energy measuring unit 15, 25, energy consumption unit mentioned above (26), the central management unit 27 may exist independently of each other, or two or more may constitute a single component.

For example, the energy management unit 14 and 24, the energy measuring unit 15 and 25, and the central management unit 27 each exist as a single component, and perform smart functions, energy management devices, and home servers that perform their respective functions. Or the energy management unit 14, 24, the energy measuring unit 15, 25, the central management unit 27 may mechanically constitute a single device.

In addition, in performing one function, the function may be sequentially performed in a plurality of components and / or communication means. For example, energy management functions may be sequentially performed in a separate energy management unit, an energy measuring unit, and an energy consumption unit.

In the case of the present network system, a plurality of utility networks 10 may communicate with a single home network 20, and a single utility network 10 may communicate with a plurality of home networks 20.

In addition, a plurality of components of a specific function constituting the utility network and the home network may be provided. For example, there may be a plurality of energy generating units or energy consuming units.

3 is a block diagram showing an information transfer process on a network system of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 3, in the network system of the present invention, a specific component may receive information related to energy (hereinafter, “energy information 40”) by communication means. The specific component 30 may also communicate. The means may further receive additional information (environmental information, time information, etc.) in addition to the energy information 40. At this time, the information may be received from another component, that is, the received information includes at least energy information. do.

The specific component 30 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The energy information 40 may be one of information such as electricity, water, and gas, as described above. In the following description, electricity is taken as an example, but the same may be applied to other energy.

For example, the types of information related to electricity include time-based pricing, curtailment, grid emergency, grid reliability, energy increment, and operational priority. (operation priority).

Such information may be classified into schedule information previously generated based on previous information and real time information that changes in real time. The schedule information and the real time information may be distinguished by predicting information after the current time (future).

The energy information 40 may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on the network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

The energy information 40 may be classified into time of use (TOU) information, critical peak pattern (CPP) information, or real time pattern (RTP) information according to a change pattern of data over time.

According to the TOU information, data is gradually changed over time. According to the CPP information, the data changes step by step or in real time with time, and emphasis is displayed at a specific time point. According to the RTP information, data changes in real time with time.

When the energy information is, for example, electricity rate information, the information related to the electricity rate is changed. The electric charge information may be transmitted / received by a true or false signal such as a Boolean on a network system, an actual price may be transmitted or received, or a plurality of levels may be transmitted and received.

When the specific component 30 receives a true or false signal such as a Boolean, one specific signal may be recognized as an on-peak signal and the other signal may be recognized as an off-peak signal.

Alternatively, the specific component 30 may recognize at least one driving information including the electric charge, and the specific component 30 compares the recognized information value with the reference information value and compares the on-peak with the on-peak. Off-peak can be recognized.

For example, when the specific component 30 recognizes the leveled information or the actual pricing information, the specific component compares the recognized information value with the reference information value on-peak and off. -peak is recognized.

In this case, the information value related to the driving may be at least one of an electric charge, a power amount, a change rate of the electric charge, a change rate of the power amount, an average value of the electric charge, and an average value of the electric power. The reference information value may be at least one of an average value, an average value of minimum and maximum values of power information during a predetermined section, and a reference rate of change of power information (eg, slope of power consumption per unit time) during the predetermined section.

The reference information value may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The reference information value may be set in a utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy manager, a central manager, etc.).

When the specific component 30 (for example, the energy consumption unit) recognizes the on-peak (for example, the recognition time), the output may be set to 0 (stopped or stopped) or the output may be reduced. And, if necessary, the output can be restored or increased. The specific component may determine the driving method in advance before starting the operation, or change the driving method when the on-peak is recognized after starting the operation.

Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes on-peak (for example, recognition time), the output is maintained when the specific component 30 is operable. In this case, the operable condition means that the information value related to driving is equal to or less than a predetermined standard. The information value related to the driving may be information on an electric charge, power consumption amount or operation time. The predetermined criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

The schedule standard may be set in real time or may be set in advance. The schedule criterion may be set in the utility network or in a home network (input from a consumer direct input, an energy manager, a central manager, etc.).

Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes on-peak (for example, recognition time), the output may be increased. However, even when the output is increased when the on-peak is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component may be reduced or maintained more than the total output amount when the specific component operates at the normal output. Or, even if the output is increased when the on-peak is recognized, the total power consumption or total electric charge for the entire driving period of a specific component is lower than the total power consumption or total battery charge when the specific component operates at normal output. Can be.

When the specific component 30 recognizes off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of a refrigerator, the output may be supercooled by increasing the output, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater. Alternatively, when a specific component recognizes off-peak (for example, a recognition time), power storage can be performed.

The energy reduction information is information related to a mode in which a component is stopped or a low electric charge is used. The energy saving information may be transmitted and received as a true or false signal such as Boolean on a network system.

When the specific component 30 recognizes the energy saving information, as described above, the output may be zero (stopped or stopped) or the output may be reduced.

The grid emergency information is information related to a power failure and the like, and may be transmitted / received as a true or false signal such as Boolean. Information related to the power outage is related to the reliability of the component using energy.

When the specific component 30 recognizes the emergency information, it can be shut down immediately.

The grid reliability information is information about the quality of electricity, which is high or low of the amount of electricity supplied, or information about the quality of electricity, and is transmitted or received by a true or false signal such as Boolean, or is supplied to a component (for example, home appliance) The component may determine the frequency of the signal.

That is, when a frequency lower than the reference frequency of the AC power supplied to the component is detected, it is determined that the supply electricity quantity is low (supply electricity shortage information). Electricity excess information).

When the specific component recognizes that the amount of electricity is low in the network safety information or that the information indicating that the electrical quality is not good (supply electricity quantity lacking information), as described above, the specific component is sometimes output 0 (stop) Or stop) output can be reduced, maintained or increased.

On the other hand, if the electricity supply excess information is recognized, the specific component can be increased in output or switched from off to on.

Energy information information (information) is less information about the amount of electricity consumed by the component that consumes energy compared to the amount of power generation, information on the state of the generation of excess electricity, for example, can be transmitted and received as a true or false signal, such as Boolean.

When the specific component 30 recognizes the energy increase information, the output may be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of a refrigerator, the output may be supercooled by increasing the output, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater. Alternatively, when the specific component 30 recognizes the off-peak (for example, a recognition time), the power storage may be performed.

On-peak information, energy reduction information, and supply electricity shortage information among the energy-related information described above may be recognized as high-price information that is understood to be relatively expensive.

On the other hand, off-peak information, energy increase information, and excess electricity supply information among energy-related information may be recognized as low-price (low cost) information which is understood to be relatively low in energy bills.

The information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy fee may be recognized as information for determining a power saving driving method of a specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit). That is, by using the information on the up and down of the energy bill, it is possible to recognize the time zone (region) or the charge zone (region) for determining the driving method of the component according to the energy rate by dividing it into at least two or more.

For example, when information related to energy is recognized as a boolean signal, two charges for determining a time zone or a driving method of a component according to the energy fee may be recognized as two, and the information related to the energy may be at a plurality of levels. When divided into or recognized as real-time information, the time zone or the charge zone may be recognized as three or more.

On the other hand, at least information related to energy rates corresponding to time may be recognized by being divided into information for determining a power saving driving method of the component. That is, by using the information related to the energy bill, it is possible to recognize the time zone (zone) or the charge zone (zone) by dividing it into at least two or more. As described above, the time zone or fee zone to be distinguished may be determined according to the type of information recognized (boolean, multiple levels, real time information).

In other words, two or more determinants for driving a component may be distinguished and recognized using information related to the up and down of the energy rate, and the determinants may include a function relating to time and energy rate.

When information related to the energy charge is leveled and recognized at two or more levels, a driving method may be determined for a specific component according to the leveled information.

On the other hand, if the information related to the recognized energy fee is not classified according to a specific criterion (for example, real-time fee information), the information related to the energy fee is compared with predetermined information, and according to the comparison result, the specific component Can be determined.

Here, the predetermined information may be reference information (for example, a reference value) for distinguishing the information related to the energy rate, and the result of the comparison is related to whether or not the information related to the energy rate is greater than or equal to the reference value. Can be.

On the other hand, each kind of information related to the energy, specifically, the unprocessed first information (first information: 41), the second information (second information: 42) that is the information processed from the first information, and the specific The information may be divided into third information 43 which is information for performing a function of a component. That is, the first information is raw data, the second information is refined data, and the third information is a command for performing a function of a specific component.

In addition, information related to energy is included in the signal and transmitted. In this case, one or more of the first to third information may be transmitted only a plurality of times without converting only the signal.

For example, as shown in the figure, any component that has received a signal including the first information may only convert a signal and transmit a new signal including the first information to another component.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the signal conversion and the information conversion are described as different concepts. At this time, it will be easily understood that the signal is also converted when the first information is converted into the second information.

However, the third information may be delivered a plurality of times in the state where the contents are converted or in a state where only the signal is converted while maintaining the same contents.

In detail, when the first information is raw electricity price information, the second information may be processed electricity price information. The processed electricity rate information is information or analysis information in which electricity rates are divided into multiple levels. The third information is a command generated based on the second information.

The particular component may generate, transmit or receive one or more of the first to third information. The first to third information are not necessarily sequentially transmitted and received. Only a plurality of third information may be transmitted or received sequentially or in parallel without the first and second information. Alternatively, the first and third information may be transmitted or received together, the second and third information may be transmitted or received together, or the first and second information may be transmitted or received together.

For example, when a specific component receives the first information, the specific component may transmit the second information, or may transmit the second information and the third information.

When a specific component receives only the third information, the specific component may generate and transmit new third information.

Meanwhile, in the relationship between the two informations, one information is a message and the other information is a response to the message. Accordingly, each component constituting the present network system may transmit or receive a message, and when the message is received, may correspond to the received message. Thus, the transmission of messages and their corresponding responses is a relative concept for individual components.

The message may include data (first information or second information) and / or command (third information).

The command (third information) includes a data storage command, a data generating command, a data processing command (including generating additional data), a generating command of an additional command, a sending command of an additional generated command, and a received command. Commands and the like.

In this specification, responding to a received message includes storing data, processing data (including generating additional data), generating a new command, sending a newly generated command, and simply passing the received command (another component). Command can be generated together with the system), operation, transmission of stored information, transmission of acknowledgment character or negative acknowledgment character.

For example, when the message is the first information, the component that has received the first information may correspond to this and generate the second information by processing the first information, or generate the second information and generate new third information. have.

The component receiving the message may respond with respect to energy. Here, "correspondence" can be understood as a concept that includes an operation that a component can perform its function. In one example, the home network 20 may receive a message and perform an operation related to energy.

The response (operation) with respect to the energy of the component will be described in detail. The component may be, for example, an energy consumption unit.

The energy consumption unit may be driven such that an energy fee when driven based on the recognition of energy information is lower than an energy fee driven without recognition of the energy information.

The component may include a plurality of modes that are driven for performing their own functions. The plurality of modes may be driven in at least one of a first mode and a second mode in which an energy charge is saved in comparison with the first mode.

The first mode may be a normal mode, the second mode may be a power saving mode, and the first and second modes may be power saving modes.

The general mode may be understood as a mode in which a component's own function is performed without recognition of energy information. On the other hand, the power saving mode may be understood as a mode that allows the component to perform its own function based on the recognition of the energy information in order to save energy charges.

When the first and second modes are power saving modes, the first mode may be defined as a driving scheme for saving energy bills, and the second mode may be defined as a driving scheme in which energy bills are saved more than the first mode. have.

On the other hand, in relation to the driving of a specific component (for example, the energy consumption unit), at least a part of the driving scheme including at least the driving time and the course is recognized, and the unrecognized portion may be generated to reduce the energy fee. The recognized part may be changed in other ways.

For example, at least a part of the driving method may be recognized through user setting, control of the energy management unit, or self control of the energy consumption unit. In addition, when a specific driving method is further needed to save energy rates, the unrecognized driving method part is newly generated, and the recognized part can be changed in another way to save energy.

Of course, the process of generating the unrecognized portion may be omitted, and in this case, the process of changing the recognized portion in another manner may be performed. On the other hand, a process in which the recognized part is changed in another manner may be omitted, and in this case, a process of newly generating the unrecognized part may be performed.

The driving time may include a driving start time or a driving end time of the component. In addition, the course may include the driving period and the output of the component.

The manner in which it is generated or the manner in which it is changed may be the way recommended by a particular component for saving energy bills. Here, the specific component may be an energy consumption unit (control unit) or an energy management unit.

For example, when the recognized driving method is a specific driving time, the specific driving time may be changed to another time in order to reduce energy charges, and a specific course may be generated.

On the other hand, when the recognized driving method is a specific course, the specific course may be changed to another course and a specific time may be generated in order to reduce the energy charge.

According to such a control, a time or an output value may be changed with respect to an output function of a component over time.

The manner of generation or the manner of change may be made within a set range. That is, in the process of recognizing at least a part of the driving method, the driving method is within a predetermined criterion (for example, a restriction set by the user or set through the control of the energy management unit or the energy consumption unit) indicated by the recognized part. May be created or changed.

Thus, within the range of the predetermined criterion, it is limited that the unrecognized portion is generated or the recognized portion is changed in another manner.

Other embodiments are suggested.

The recognized driving method may further include fee information. That is, when fee information is recognized, a part related to a driving time or a course may be generated. The generated drive scheme may be recommended.

On the other hand, the control of the component based on the information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy bill, for example, output control for power saving driving can be made. Output control may include output reduction (including output 0) or output increase.

Depending on the perception of the information about the energy bill (on-peak or off-peak), it is as described above to reduce, maintain, or increase the output.

If high-price information is recognized, the output can be zeroed or reduced. In detail, the output when high-price information is recognized can be reduced than the output when low-price information is recognized. As described above, the reduction of the output may be determined in advance before the start of the operation of the component, or may be changed when the high-price information is recognized after the start of the operation.

If you set the component's output to zero or reduce it, the functionality that the component should perform may be lost than it would normally be. Thus, a countermeasure can be made to preserve the lost functionality.

For example, after the output of the component is reduced, the total operating time of the component may be increased or the output may be controlled to be increased in at least one time period after the output is reduced.

In other words, in a section after adjusting the output of the component, when specific reference information related to the energy information is recognized, the corresponding control of the output may be released. Here, the term “section” may be divided based on a recognition time point of the recognized high-price information.

The total operating time may be understood as a time at which a specific target value is reached in the process of performing a component function. For example, when the component is an electric product (washing machine, dryer, cooker, etc.) that is intermittently driven (driven to a specific course), the total operating time may be understood as the time until the corresponding course is completed.

On the other hand, when the component is always driven electrical appliances (refrigerators, water purifiers, etc.), it can be understood as the time to reach the set target for the function of the component. For example, the refrigerator may be a target temperature inside the refrigerator, a target ice level, or a target purified water amount.

And, the total operating time may be increased than the operating time set before the output reduction of the component, or may be increased than the operating time if the output is not reduced. However, even if the total operating time of the component is increased, the total energy charge generated by driving the component is controlled to be saved as compared with the case where the output is not reduced.

Once the high-price information is recognized, the output of the component can be increased.

However, even when the output is increased when the high-price information is recognized, the total output amount during the entire driving period of the specific component may be reduced or maintained more than the total output amount when the specific component operates as a normal output. Or, even if the output is increased when the high-price information is recognized, the total power consumption or total electric charge for the entire driving period of a specific component is higher than the total power consumption or total battery charge when the specific component operates at a normal output. Can be reduced.

Once the low-price information is recognized, the output can be increased. For example, when an operation reservation is set, a specific component may start driving before a set time, or a component having a larger output among a plurality of components may be driven first. In addition, in the case of a refrigerator, the output may be supercooled by increasing the output, or in the case of a washing machine or a washing machine, the hot water may be stored by driving the heater in advance than the scheduled time of operation of the heater. Alternatively, when a specific component recognizes low-price information (for example, when it is recognized), it can be stored.

On the other hand, even if it is based on the information (high cost or low cost information) related to the up and down of the energy bill, when a specific condition (additional condition) occurs, the response of the component, for example, the output control for power saving driving can be limited. That is, the output of the component can be maintained.

Here, “limitation” can be understood as being unimplemented or the output control being implemented is released.

The specific condition includes a case in which the influence on the energy charge is minute even when the output of the component is not controlled, or when the output of the component needs to be prevented from degrading a function to be performed by the component.

Whether the influence on the energy charge is minute may be determined according to a certain criterion (information on an electric charge, power consumption, or operation time). The predetermined criterion may be a relative value or an absolute value.

When the function to be performed by the component is deteriorated, for example, it may be considered that the component is a defrost heater of the refrigerator.

When the output is reduced during the high-price time period and controlled to increase the output during the low-time time period, when the defrost heater is driven more frequently than the normal case (setting cycle), the temperature of the refrigerator storage compartment is increased. A problem arises, in which case it is possible to limit the adjustment of the output.

4 is a view showing a communication structure of two components constituting the network system of the present invention, Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of one communication device constituting a communication means.

2, 4, and 5, a first component 61 and a second component 62 constituting the present network system are wired or wirelessly communicated by the communication means 50. can do. In addition, the first component 61 and the second component 62 may communicate in one direction or two directions.

When the two components 61 and 62 are in wired communication, the communication means may be a simple communication line or a power line communication means. Of course, the power line communication means may include a communicator (eg, a modem) connected to each of the two components.

When the two components 61 and 62 are in wireless communication, the communication means 50 may include a first communicator 51 connected with the first component 61, and a second component 62. It may include a second communicator 52 to be connected. At this time, the first communicator and the second communicator perform wireless communication.

The first component 61 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The second component 62 may be one component constituting the utility network 10 or one component constituting the home network 20.

The first component 61 and the second component 62 may be the same type or different types.

A component may join the utility network 10 or home network 20.

In detail, a plurality of components, for example, a first component and a second component, may be each given an address that may be mapped to at least one group and necessary for communication therebetween.

The address may be understood as a value converted from a unique code of the first component or the second component. That is, at least some of the components constituting the network may have an invariant / unique code, which may be translated into an address for configuring the network.

In other words, the product code for at least some of the plurality of components that may constitute the first network and the second network may be converted into different network codes depending on the network being configured. have.

In one example, the product code may be a unique code determined at the time of production of electrical appliances or an installation code separately assigned for network registration. The product code may be converted into an ID for identifying a network to which an electric product is registered.

The first network and the second network may be networks constituting the utility network 10 or networks constituting the home network 20. On the other hand, the first network may be a utility network 10, the second network may be a home network 20, the first network may be a home network 20, the second network may be a utility network 10. .

The plurality of components configuring the network may include a first component and a second component for joining the first component to the network. In one example, the first component is an electrical appliance, the second component may be a server (server).

One of the first component and the second component may transmit a request signal to join the network, and the other may transmit a permit signal.

That is, the signal can be transmitted and received between the first component and the second component, and whether network participation can be determined according to the transmission time or the number of transmissions of the signal.

In one example, the first component transmits a test signal to the second component, it is determined whether a response signal from the second component. If the response signal is not transmitted, the test signal is transmitted again and the transmission of the response signal is judged. This process is repeated, and if the number of transmissions of the test signal exceeds the setting number, it may be determined that the test signal does not participate in the network.

Meanwhile, the first component may transmit the test signal to the second component, and it may be determined that the test component does not participate in the network if a response signal is not transmitted from the second component within a set time.

The first communication unit 51 and the second communication unit 52 may have the same structure. Hereinafter, the first communicator 51 and the second communicator 52 will be collectively referred to as the communicators 51 and 52.

The communicators 51 and 52 may include a first communication part 511 for communication with the first component 61 and a second communication part for communication with the second component 61. 512, a memory 513 storing information received from the first component 61 and information received from the second component 62, a processor 516 for performing information processing, and It may include a power supply (517) for supplying power to the communicators (51, 52).

In detail, the communication language (or method) of the first communication unit 511 may be the same as or different from the communication language (or method) of the second communication unit 512.

Two types of information received from the two components may be stored in the memory 513. The two types of information may be stored in a single sector or may be stored separately in separate sectors. In any case, the area in which the information received from the first component 61 is stored is called the first memory 514, and the area in which the information received from the second component 62 is stored is called the second memory 515. can do.

The processor 516 may generate second information or generate second information and third information based on the information received from the component or another communicator.

For example, when the communicators 51 and 52 receive the first information, the communicators 51 and 52 may process the data to generate second information one or sequentially. Alternatively, when the communicators 51 and 52 receive the first information, the communicators 51 and 52 may process the data to generate second information and third information. When the communicators 51 and 52 receive the third information, the communicators 51 and 52 may generate new third information.

For example, when the second component is an energy consumption unit (a component constituting a home appliance or a home appliance, etc.), the second communicator may generate a command to reduce energy consumption. When the second component is an energy generator, a distributor, or a storage unit, the second communicator 52 may generate an instruction regarding an energy generation time, generation amount, energy distribution time, distribution amount, energy storage time, storage amount, and the like. have. In this case, the second communicator 52 serves as an energy management unit.

The power supply 517 may be supplied with electricity from the components 61 and 62, may be supplied with power from a separate power source, or may be a battery.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a communication process between a specific component and a communicator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second component 62 and the second communicator 52 perform communication by way of example. The communication process between the first component 61 and the first communication unit 51 may be equally applied to the communication process between the second component 62 and the second communication unit 52.

5 and 6, the second communicator 52 receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 51 may receive a message in real time or periodically without a request to the first communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response to the message request to the first communicator 51. Alternatively, the first communication unit 51 requests information from the first communication unit 51 at the time when the second communication unit 52 is first turned on, and then receives a message from the first communication unit 51 without requesting information. Information can be received liver or periodically.

Information received from the first communication unit 51 is stored in the memory 513. In response to the message, the second communication unit 52 transmits the message to the second component 62. At this time, the message transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information different from the information previously stored in the memory 513 or to information generated by the processor 516.

Then, the second component 62 transmits an acknowledgment character (ack) or a negative acknowledgment character (Nak) to the second communication unit 52 as a response to the message. Then, the second component 62 performs a function (command generation, operation, etc.) or waits for function execution based on the received information.

Meanwhile, the second communicator 52 requests the second component 62 in real time or periodically for component information, for example, component state information, component unique code, manufacturer, service name code, and electricity usage. . Then, the second component 62 transmits component information to the second communication unit 52 in response to the request. The component information is stored in the memory 513 of the second communicator 52.

In response to the component information request message received from the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51 in real time or periodically.

The second communicator 52 may transmit information of the first component stored in the memory together with the information received from the first component to the first component. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 may transmit the information of the first component stored in the memory to the first component separately from transmitting the information received from the first component.

Since the second communicator 52 stores the information of the second component 62, when the component information request message is received from the first communicator 51, the second communicator 52 does not request information from the second component 62. Instead, since the component information stored in the memory 513 is directly transmitted to the first communication unit 51, the communication load of the second component 62 may be reduced. That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

FIG. 7 illustrates a process of performing communication between a specific component and a communicator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the second component 62 and the second communicator 52 perform communication by way of example. The communication process between the first component 61 and the first communication unit 51 may be equally applied to the communication process between the second component and the second communication unit 52.

5 and 7, the second communicator 52 receives a message from the first communicator 51. The second communicator 51 may receive a message in real time or periodically without a request to the first communicator 51, or may receive a message as a response to the message request to the first communicator 51. Alternatively, the first communication unit 51 requests information from the first communication unit 51 at the time when the second communication unit 52 is first turned on, and then receives a message from the first communication unit 51 without requesting information. Information can be received liver or periodically.

When the second communicator 52 receives a message about an information request from the second component 62, the second communicator 52 transmits a message to the second component 62 in response thereto. do. At this time, the message transmitted to the second component 62 relates to new information different from the information previously stored in the memory 513 or to information generated by the processor 516. Alternatively, the information transmitted to the second component 62 may be information received from the first component and / or information received from the first component.

In addition, the second component 62 performs a function or waits to perform a function based on the received information.

The second component 62, on the other hand, performs information on the second component, for example, component state information, component unique code, manufacturer, service name code, electrical usage, etc., to the second communication unit 52. Transmit liver or periodically.

As described above, the electricity consumption may be determined by the smart meter. When the electricity usage is included in the information of the second component 62, the actual electricity consumption is corrected by comparing the information between the component information and the smart meter. This can be done.

Then, the second communicator 52 stores component information in the memory 513 and transmits an acknowledgment character (ack) or a negative acknowledgment character (Nak) to the second component 62 as a response to the message. do.

When the second communication unit 52 receives the component information request message from the first communication unit 51, the second communication unit 52 transmits information of the second component stored in the memory 513. Alternatively, the second communicator 52 transmits component information stored in the memory 513 to the first communicator 51 in real time or periodically.

Since the second communicator 52 stores the information of the second component 62, when receiving a request message for component information from the first communicator 51, the second communicator 52 requests an information request from the second component 62. Instead, since the information stored in the memory 513 is directly transmitted to the first communicator 51, the communication load of the second component 62 may be reduced. That is, the second communicator 52 becomes a virtual component.

<Application example>

In the following description, since the first component and the second component may be opposite to each other, redundant description thereof will be omitted. For example, when the first component is a household appliance and the second component is an energy management unit, a description of the case where the first component is an energy management unit and the second component is a household appliance will be omitted.

The information transmitted and received by each component may be all of the above-mentioned information, and in particular, specific information may be transmitted and received for each component.

The energy generators 11 and 21 may transmit and receive information related to the amount of energy generated. The energy distribution units 12 and 22 may transmit and receive information related to energy distribution amount, distribution timing, and the like. The energy storage units 13 and 23 may transmit information regarding energy distribution and storage time. The energy measuring units 15 and 25 may transmit and receive energy consumption information. The energy managers 14 and 24 may transmit and receive information on energy generation, distribution, storage, consumption, charge, stability, emergency situation, and the like.

(1) When the second component is a component of the home network

The second component may be an energy consumption unit 26, for example, a heater, a motor, a compressor, a display, and the like. In this case, the first component 61 may be, for example, a microcomputer or an energy consumption unit 26. The microcomputer or one energy consumption unit 26 may transmit a message for reducing energy consumption to the other energy consumption unit 26. Then, the other energy consuming unit 26 may perform an operation for reducing energy as an example.

As another example, the energy consumption unit 26 may be a home appliance. In this case, the first component 61 may include an energy storage unit 23, an energy consumption unit 26 (home appliances), an energy management unit 24, an energy measurement unit 25, a central management unit 27, or a web server component. 28, or one component constituting the utility network.

In this case, the energy management function may or may not be included in the first component 61 except for the energy management unit 24.

If the energy management function or solution is not included in the first component 61, the energy management function or solution may be included in the communication means, or the energy management function or solution may be included in the microcomputer of the second component. The energy management function at this time is related to energy consumption.

As another example, the second component 62 may be an energy generator 21, an energy distributor 22, or an energy storage unit 23. In this case, the first component (61) comprises an energy management unit (24), a central management unit (27), and a web server component (28). Or one component constituting the utility network.

The second component 62 may transmit a message such as an energy generation time or an amount of energy, an energy storage time or an amount of energy, such as an energy storage time or an amount of energy, or the like.

In this case, the energy management function may or may not be included in the first component 61 except for the energy management unit 24.

When the energy management function or solution is not included in the first component 61, the communication means may include an energy management function or solution. Energy management functions at this time are related to the generation, distribution and storage of energy.

As another example, the second component may be an energy measuring unit 25. In this case, the first component 61 may be one component constituting the central management unit 27, the web server component 28, and the utility network 10.

The energy measuring unit 25 may or may not include an energy management function. If the energy measurement unit 25 includes an energy management function, the energy measurement unit 25 has the same function as the energy management device.

When no energy management function or solution is included in the energy measuring unit 25, the communication means may include an energy management function or solution, or the second component may include an energy management function or solution.

As another example, the second component 62 may be a central management unit 27. In this case, the first component 61 may be a component constituting the web server 28 and the utility network 10.

(2) When the second component is a component of the utility network

The first component 61 may be one component constituting the utility network 10. In this case, the first component 61 and the second component 62 may be the same type or different types.

An energy management function may be included in the first component 61 or the second component 62 or the communication means.

The energy management function included in the specific component or the energy management function included in the energy management unit 14 may be related to the amount of power generation, distribution, storage, and energy consumption of one component constituting the home network.

In the present specification, an example in which a network system can be configured has been described, and it is apparent that even a component not mentioned in the present specification can be a first component or a second component that performs communication through a communication means. For example, the automobile may be the second component, and the first component may be the energy management unit 24.

(3) When one of the first and second components communicate with the third component

In the above examples, communication between two components has been described, but the first component or the second component may communicate with one or more components (third component or n-th component), respectively.

Even in this case, the relationship between the first component and the second component that communicates with the third component may be one of the above-mentioned examples.

For example, the first component may be one component constituting a utility network, the second component may be an energy management unit 24 in communication with the first component, and the third component may be energy consumed in communication with the second component. May be part 26. At this time, one or more of the three components may communicate with another component.

In the present specification, the first to n-th components may be components constituting a utility network, components constituting a home network, some components constituting a utility network, and others may be components constituting a home network. .

Hereinafter, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The present embodiments are described mainly for differences compared to the previous embodiments, and the same reference numerals and descriptions of the previous embodiments are used for the same parts.

8 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 8.

8 and 9, the first component 70 may be in communication with the second to fifth components 82, 83, 84, 85. Hereinafter, as an example, the first component 70 is a central management unit (home server), the second and third components 82 and 83 are energy consumption units (home appliances), and the fourth component 84 measures energy. The fifth component 85 will be described as being a component constituting the utility network. Each of the components may communicate with each other by a communication means. In the network system illustrated in FIG. 8, although each component is directly connected to and communicates with the first component 70, when each component 82, 83, 84, and 85 communicates with new components, a new component is used. By doing so, the network system according to the present invention can be extended and operated.

The second component 82 and the third component 83 may be the same type or a different kind. In the present embodiment, the second component 82 and the third component 83 are different types of energy consumption units. This will be described with an example.

The first component 70 simply passes information received from the fourth component 84 and / or the fifth component 85 to the second component 82 and / or the third component 83 or The received information can be processed and transmitted.

In addition, the first component 70 simply transfers the information received from the second component 82 and / or the third component 83 to the fourth component 84 and / or the fifth component 85. Transmit (signal can be converted) or process received information and send (information converted).

The first component 70 communicates with a communication means 760 for communicating with another component, a central manager 710 for managing overall operation and / or information processing of the first component. An application programming interface (API, 720: hereinafter referred to as “API”) that serves as an interface between the means 760 and the central manager 710 (specifically application software).

The communication unit 760 may include a first communication unit 762 for communicating with the second component 82 and the third component 83, and for communicating with the fourth component 84. A second communication unit 764 and a third communication unit 766 for communicating with the fifth component 85.

In this case, the first communication unit 762 and the second communication unit 764 may use different communication protocols. For example, the first communication unit 762 may use zigbee, and the second communication unit 764 may use wi-fi. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit 762 and the second communication unit 764 may be used. It is noted that there are no restrictions on the type of communication protocol or method used. For example, the third communication unit 766 may use internet communication.

The API 720 includes a first API 722, a second API 724, and a third API 726. The third API 726 is an interface between the central manager 710 and the third communication unit 766, and the first API 722 and the second API 724 are the first communication unit 762. And an interface between the second communication unit 764 and the central manager 710.

In addition, the first component 70 corresponds to each energy consumption unit when the information to be transmitted or received between the API 720 and the communication unit 760 is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit (home appliance). An interpreter 750 for interpreting the local manager 740 in which the information is output, and information transmitted from the local manager 740 to the communication means 760 or information received from the communication means 760. It further includes. The information output from the interpreter is used to input information values related to each energy consumption unit or to obtain information values.

The local manager 740 includes a memory (not shown) in which information relating to one or more energy consumption units is stored. Alternatively, the local manager 740 may be connected to a memory in which information related to one or more energy consumers is stored. The information related to each energy consuming unit of one or more energy consuming units may include operation information of each energy consuming unit and information for controlling the energy consuming unit. In addition, it may further include software download information for operating each energy consumption unit, information for remote control / monitoring.

For example, when a plurality of energy consumption units include a washing machine, a refrigerator, and a cooking appliance, information related to each product is stored in a memory. Information related to the energy consumption unit stored by the local manager 740 may be changed according to changes of components connected to the network system.

When a signal is transmitted from the API 720 to the local manager 740, information corresponding to a specific energy consumption unit is output. When there are a plurality of energy consumption units, the memory stores information on the plurality of energy consumption units. The interpreter 750 converts the information transmitted from the local manager 740 into a machine language for transmission to the energy consuming unit. The machine language may be a signal for setting or getting operation information of the energy consumer.

An information transfer process in the first component 70 will be described.

For example, the first component 70 may receive energy information (eg, an energy saving signal: first command) from the fourth component 45 through the second communication unit 764. The received energy information is communicated to the central manager 710 via the second API 724. At this time, in the information transfer process between the second API 724 and the central manager 710, only the signal including the information is converted, but the content of the information is not converted.

Since the energy information is information related to energy consumption reduction of the energy consumer, the central manager 710 transmits information (second command) related to the operation of the energy consumer to the API 720. For example, the central manager 710 transmits information necessary for powering off the washing machine and the refrigerator.

Then, the information is transferred from the first API 722 to the local manager 740.

The local manager 740 transmits information (third command) for controlling the operation of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 750 based on the information transmitted from the first API 722. For example, when the information transmitted from the first API 722 is information targeting different types of energy consumption units, the local manager 740 transmits information related to control of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 750. do. At this time, since the local manager 740 receives the second command and outputs the third command, the information input to the local manager 740 is converted and output by the local manager 740.

The interpreter 750 then converts the information sent from the local manager 740 into a machine language (signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the target energy consuming part (second and third components) through the first communication part 762. Then, the energy consuming portion (second and third component) is finally turned off to reduce the energy.

In the above description, it has been described that the first component receives information through a second communication unit. Alternatively, the first component may receive information through the third communication unit so that information related to control of the energy consumption unit may be output. .

Meanwhile, the second component 82 and the third component 83 may transmit their operation information to the first component 70. Since the information transmitted from the second and third components 82 and 83 is related to the operation of the energy consumption unit, the signal received by the first communication unit 762 may be interpreted by the interpreter 750 or the local manager 760. The first manager 710 transmits the information to the central manager 710 via the first API 722. In this information transfer process, information relating to the second and third components 82, 83 is stored in the local manager 740. In the present embodiment, since the information related to the energy consumption unit is stored in the local manager, the local manager may be described as playing a virtual energy consumption unit.

The central manager 710 may transmit the received information to the second communication unit 764 and 766 and / or the third communication unit.

In summary, the information received through the communication means 760 is directly transmitted to the API 720 or converted according to the type (or signal format) or converted (via the interpreter and the local manager). May be passed to the API 720.

In addition, the information transmitted from the central manager 710 may be directly transmitted to the communication unit 760 or converted and transmitted to the communication unit 760 depending on whether the energy consumption unit is operated.

As another example, an interpreter may be included in the local manager 740, and the information received through the communication unit 760 is transmitted to the local manager, but the information is converted according to the content of the transmitted information. You can output it as is, without converting the information.

On the other hand, when the information transmitted to the API through the second communication unit 764 or the third communication unit 766 is information related to the electricity bill (raw data or refined data), the central manager 710 is ON-peak time If it is determined whether the information is on-peak time, information (first command) for controlling the operation of the energy consumer may be transmitted to the API 720. Then, this information is converted through the local manager 740 (second command), and then transmitted to the energy consuming unit through the interpreter 750 and the first communication unit 762. In contrast, the central manager 710 may transmit the electricity rate information to the first communication unit 762 through the second API 724 without determining ON-peak. In this case, the information may or may not be converted. That is, when the central manager receives the first information (raw data), the central manager may transmit the first information as it is, or convert the second information into converted data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication structure of components configuring a network system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a first component in FIG. 10.

10 and 11, the network system of the present embodiment may include at least first to fourth components 92, 94, 96, and 98.

In addition, the first component 92 may communicate with the second to fourth components 94, 96, and 98. The fourth component 98 may communicate with first to third components 92, 94, 96.

Hereinafter, as an example, the first component 92 is a central management unit (home server), the second and third components are energy consumption units (home appliances), and the fourth component 98 is an energy measurement unit (smart meter). It will be described as.

The central management unit (home server) may be understood as a component necessary to control at least one component constituting the home network 20.

The first component 92 includes: a communication means 970 for communicating with another component, a central manager 920 for managing overall operation and / or information transmission / reception processing of the first component; An application programming interface (API) 930, which serves as an interface between the communication means 970 and the central manager 920 (specifically application software).

The communication unit 970 may include a first communication unit 972 for performing communication with the second to fourth components 94, 96, and 98, and a second communication unit 974 for performing internet communication. It may include.

The API 930 includes a first API 932 and a second API 934. The second API 934 is an interface between the central manager 920 and the second communication unit 974, and the first API 930 is the first communication unit 972 and the central manager 920. Is the interface between.

In addition, the first component 92 corresponds to the energy consumption unit when the information to be transmitted and received between the first API 932 and the communication means 970 is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit (home appliance). An interpreter 960 for interpreting the local manager 950 for outputting information and information transmitted from the local manager 950 to the communication means 970 or information transmitted from the communication means 970. It further includes.

Since the functions of the interpreter and the local manager are the same as in the third embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

An information transfer process in the first component 92 will be described.

For example, the first component 92 may receive energy information (for example, an energy reduction signal) from the fourth component 98 through the first communication unit 972. Alternatively, energy information may be received from an external component connected to the Internet through the second communication unit 974.

 The received energy information is sent directly to the first API 932 or the second API 934 and then to the central manager 920. Since the energy information is information related to reducing energy consumption of the energy consumer, the central manager 920 transmits information related to the operation of the energy consumer to the first API 932. For example, the central manager 920 transmits information necessary for powering off the washing machine and the refrigerator.

Then, the information is transferred from the first API 932 to the local manager 950.

The local manager 950 transmits information for controlling the operation of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 960 based on the information transmitted from the first API 932. For example, when the information transmitted from the first API is information related to different types of energy consumption units, the local manager transmits information related to control of each energy consumption unit to the interpreter 960.

The interpreter 960 then converts the information sent from the local manager 950 into a machine language (signal). Then, the converted signal is transmitted to the energy consumption unit through the first communication unit 972. Then, the energy consumption unit is finally turned off to reduce the energy.

Meanwhile, the second component 94 and the third component 96 may transmit their operation information to the first component 92. Since the information transmitted from the second and third components is information related to the operation of the energy consumption unit, the signal received by the first communication unit 972 is the interpreter 960, the local manager 950, and the first API. Via 932 is passed to the central manager (920). In this information transfer process, information relating to the second and third components 950 is stored in the local manager 950.

The central manager 920 may transmit the received information to the first communication unit 974. Then, the information of the second and third components 94 and 96 is transferred to the fourth component 98.

Summarizing the operation of the first component, the information received through the communication means 970 is directly transferred or converted (via an interpreter and a local manager) to the API according to the kind (or signal format) of the API 930. Can be delivered.

On the contrary, the information transmitted from the central manager may be directly transmitted to the communication means 970 or converted and transmitted to the communication means 970 depending on whether or not the energy consumption unit is operated.

On the other hand, when the information transmitted to the API through the second communication unit is the information related to the electricity bill, the central manager determines whether the ON-peak time, in the case of the on-peak time for controlling the operation of the energy consumption unit Information can be sent to the API. This information is then transferred to the energy consumer via the local manager, interpreter, and first communicator. In this case, the first component may be understood to serve as an energy management unit.

Although two energy consumers are described in communication with the first component in the above description, it is noted that there is no limit to the number of energy consumers in communication with the first component.

For example, although the first component is an example of a home server, the first component may be an energy management unit. In this case, in the above embodiments, the fourth component may be a central manager, an energy manager, a smart meter, or the like.

As another example, the first component may be a smart meter. In this case, in the above embodiments, the fourth component may be a central manager, an energy manager, or the like.

As another example, the first component may be the terminal component (eg, a gateway).

As another example, the second and third components may be an energy generator, an energy storage unit, or the like constituting a home network. That is, in the spirit of the present invention, at least one of the energy generating unit, the energy consuming unit, and the energy storing unit may communicate with the first component. In this case, the memory included or connected to the local network includes not only information related to the energy consumption unit, but also information related to the energy generation unit (for example, information related to the operation of the energy generation unit) and the energy storage unit. Information related to the information (for example, the energy storage unit) may be stored.

In addition, although the first component has been described as performing internet communication, the first component may not perform internet communication.

In addition, although the first embodiment is described as having a single local manager, a plurality of local managers may be provided. In this case, for example, the first local manager may process information about home appliances such as a refrigerator and a washing machine, and the second local manager may process information about display products such as a television and a monitor.

12 is a schematic diagram of a home network according to the invention.

Referring to FIG. 12, in the home network 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention, an energy measuring unit 25 capable of measuring in real time power and / or electricity rates supplied from the utility network 10 to each home is provided. For example, a smart meter, the energy measuring unit 25 and the energy management unit 24 is connected to the electrical appliances and control their operation.

On the other hand, the electricity bill of each household can be charged as an hourly rate, and the hourly electricity bill becomes expensive in the time period when the power consumption is rapidly increased, and the hourly electricity bill becomes cheaper at night time, such as relatively low power consumption. Can be.

The energy management unit 24 is an electrical appliance as the energy consumption unit 26, that is, the refrigerator 110, the washing machine 120, the air conditioner 130, the dryer 140, or the cooking appliance through the home network. It can be connected to an electrical appliance such as 150) for bidirectional communication.

The communication in the home can be made through a wireless method such as Zigbee, wifi or a wire such as power line communication (PLC), and one home appliance can be connected to communicate with other home appliances.

Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electrical appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the electrical appliance 100 as an “energy consuming unit” according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 210. The electrical appliance 100 may include the refrigerator 110, the washing machine 120, the air conditioner 130, the dryer 140, or the cooking appliance 150.

The communication unit 210 may include an energy measuring unit 25 that recognizes additional information other than energy information or energy information, and an energy management unit that manages (controls) driving of the electrical appliance 100 according to the energy information or additional information. Communicate with at least one of the 24.

The energy measuring unit 25 and the energy management unit 24 may be connected to communicate with each other. In addition, the communication unit 210 may be provided inside the electrical appliance 100 or may be detachably coupled to the electrical appliance 100.

The electrical appliance 100 includes an input unit 220 for inputting a predetermined command, a display unit 230 for displaying driving information of the electrical appliance 100 or information recognized by the communication unit 210; The memory unit 250 stores the received information, that is, energy information (for example, energy charge information) or additional information (for example, environmental information), and a controller 200 for controlling these components.

In detail, the input unit 220 includes an electrical appliance based on a power input unit 221 for inputting power on / off of the electrical appliance 100 and received information (or information recognized by the communication unit 210). A mode selector 223 for selecting a mode (power saving mode or a normal mode) regarding whether to drive or not and a start input unit 225 for inputting a driving command of an electrical appliance are included.

The term "mode" may be understood as a concept including a specific component, a specific driving course, a stroke, or the like that constitutes the electrical appliance in relation to a function performed by the electrical appliance 100.

The power saving mode is a mode in which the electric appliance is controlled based on the received information, and the general mode may be understood as a mode in which the electric appliance is controlled based on the received information.

When the power saving mode is selected, the electrical appliance 100 is when the energy consumption or usage fee when controlled based on the received information, for example, energy bill information, is controlled without the energy information (in the normal mode). Can be controlled to be less than the energy usage or usage fee).

On the other hand, when the electrical appliance 100 is driven in a power saving mode, based on the received energy charge information, the time zone during which the energy charge is low among the period from the current time to a predetermined time, that is, the optimal driving time may be recommended.

The electrical appliance 100 may be preset in one of a normal mode and a power saving mode, or may be selected as one of the above modes after the power is turned on. And, the mode once set may be changed to another mode.

The mode selector 223 may include a selector for selecting a power saving mode for reducing an energy bill or power consumption when driving the plurality of electrical appliances 100. For convenience, this power saving mode may be called "multiple product power saving mode".

When the "multiple product power saving mode" is selected, the plurality of electrical appliances may be driven at different time intervals according to preset criteria or setting values. Detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Meanwhile, the command input through the input unit 220 may be performed through the energy manager 24.

That is, when a plurality of electrical appliances 100 are communicatively connected to the energy management unit 24, power input, mode selection, or start input of each electrical appliance 100 is easily input through the energy management unit 24. Can be. Therefore, the operation of the plurality of electrical appliances 100 may be controlled through the energy management unit 24.

14 is a block diagram showing a state in which a plurality of electrical appliances are controlled according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 15 is a flow showing a control method for power saving driving a plurality of electrical appliances according to an embodiment of the present invention It is a chart.

14 and 15, a plurality of electrical appliances 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator 110, a washing machine 120, an air conditioner 130, a dryer 140 and a cooking appliance ( 150). Of course, other kinds of electrical appliances may be proposed.

Energy supplied from the energy generators 11 and 21 may be supplied to the plurality of electrical appliances 100 through the energy measuring unit 25 and the energy management unit 24. The energy measuring unit 25 and the energy management unit 24 may be provided as separate components, and it may be understood that one component has a plurality of functions.

In addition, information related to energy, that is, the energy information or additional information may be received by the energy management unit 24 or the plurality of electrical appliances 100.

Based on the information related to the energy, for example, high-price information, which is understood to be relatively expensive, or low-price information, which is understood to be low, the plurality of electrical appliances 100 may be used. Can be driven at different time intervals.

The different time intervals may be understood as sections in which energy charges (costs) are formed in different sizes. For example, the energy fee information may vary with time, and the plurality of electrical appliances 100 may be formed to have different (higher or lower) energy bills used according to a driving time period.

The size of the energy fee may be an energy fee formed per unit time. When the energy fee formed per unit time is high, the received information may include, for example, on-peak information, energy reduction information, and insufficient electricity supply information.

On the other hand, when the energy fee formed per unit time is low, the received information may include, for example, off-peak information, energy increase information, and supply electricity quantity information.

On the other hand, the size of the energy charge may be determined as a charge accumulated during a section in which the plurality of electrical appliances 100 are driven. Since the amount of energy (power) consumed per unit time by each electrical appliance 100 may be different, the energy rate generated (used) is different even when different electrical appliances 100 are driven in the same section. Can be formed.

The different time periods may be understood as at least one of a start point and a stop point of driving of the plurality of electrical appliances 100 as different sections. That is, one electric appliance and another electric appliance start point of the plurality of electrical appliances 100 are the same, but the end point may be formed differently, the drive start point is different but the end point may be formed the same.

For example, the driving section of the plurality of electrical appliances 100 may be formed so that at least some sections overlap. That is, there may be a time period in which the one electric product and the other electric product are driven at the same time.

On the other hand, the driving of the electrical appliance may be started after the driving of the other electrical appliance is finished. In this case, the driving section of the one electrical appliance does not overlap with the driving section of the other electrical appliance, so that the driving sections of the plurality of electrical appliances 100 are included in different time intervals.

The plurality of electrical appliances 100 may include a first electrical appliance and a second electrical appliance having a larger amount of power consumption or energy usage fee per unit time than the first electrical appliance. That is, the second electrical appliance may be understood as a product that requires more energy consumption or usage fee for driving than the first electrical appliance.

In this case, the second electrical appliance may be driven at an energy charge interval lower than the charge interval at which the first electrical appliance is driven. That is, electrical appliances with high energy consumption or high energy consumption may be preferentially driven in a low energy bill.

The driving period may be determined based on whether the first electrical appliance or the second electrical appliance is above or below a set value.

The set value may be an energy fee per unit time or an energy charge accumulated during a driving period of the first electric appliance or the second electric appliance. The second electrical appliance may be driven if the energy charge is less than or equal to the set value. That is, the set value may be a driving condition of the second electrical appliance.

The set value may include a plurality of reference values.

For example, the set value may include a first reference value and a second reference value, and the second reference value may be greater than the first reference value.

If the energy fee is less than or equal to the first reference value, the second electrical appliance may be driven. When the energy fee is greater than or equal to the first reference value and less than the second reference value, driving of the second electric appliance may be stopped and the first electric appliance may be driven.

On the other hand, when the energy fee exceeds the second reference value, the driving of the first electrical appliance and the second electrical appliance may be stopped.

A control method for a plurality of electrical appliances will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

First, a power saving mode can be set for a plurality of electrical appliances. As described above, the power saving mode is understood as a mode for reducing energy usage or energy usage fee based on energy information received from the outside (S11).

Energy information is recognized from the outside. The energy information, as described above, includes charge information and non-charge information, and can be understood as information that can be classified according to whether the energy charge is high or low price (S12).

In addition, a plurality of electrical appliances to be driven may be recognized. For example, the plurality of electrical appliances may be a plurality of electrical appliances existing in the home, or may be a plurality of electrical appliances manageable by the energy management unit 24.

Contents recognized by the plurality of electrical appliances may include a kind, quantity, power consumption per unit time, or charge information of the electrical appliances (S13).

For a plurality of recognized electrical appliances, a power saving drive mode can be performed. When the power saving driving mode is performed, as described above, the driving of the plurality of electrical appliances may be controlled such that the driving sections of the plurality of electrical appliances are included in different time intervals based on whether the energy price is high or low. Can be.

By such a control method, the energy consumption or the usage fee according to the driving of the plurality of electrical appliances can be reduced.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. For the same parts as in the previous embodiment, the description and reference numerals of the previous embodiment are used.

16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, the electrical appliance 100 as an “energy consuming unit” according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 210.

The communication unit 210 may include an energy measuring unit 25 that recognizes additional information other than energy information or energy information, and an energy management unit that manages (controls) driving of the electrical appliance 100 according to the energy information or additional information. Communicate with at least one of the 24.

The electrical appliance 100 includes an input unit 220 for inputting a predetermined command, a display unit 230 for displaying driving information of the electrical appliance 100 or information recognized by the communication unit 210; The memory unit 250 stores the received information, that is, energy information (for example, energy charge information) or additional information (for example, environmental information), and a controller 200 for controlling these components.

The electrical appliance 100 includes a first functional performer 260 and a second functional performer 270 that are operable to perform a function of the electrical appliance 100.

The first function performing unit 260 may be understood as a unit that performs a first function (target function) that the electrical appliance 100 intends to achieve. For convenience of description, the first function performing unit 260 is referred to as a “first unit”.

The target function may correspond to an effect that a user wants to obtain through the electrical appliance 100. For example, when the electrical appliance 100 is a washing machine 120, the target function may be "clothing laundry".

As another example, when the electrical appliance 100 is a refrigerator 110, an air conditioner 130, a dryer 140, or a cooking appliance 150, the target functions are “cooling”, “cooling and heating”, “clothing. Dry "or" food cooking ".

That is, the target function may be understood as an essential function to be obtained from the driving of the electrical appliance 100. The target function may be a function preset for the electrical appliance 100.

The first unit 260 may be a component for performing this essential function. For example, the first unit 260 may include a driving unit or a heating unit (heater). The drive unit includes a drive motor or a compressor.

The second function performing unit 270 may be understood as a unit performing a second function (additional function) other than an essential function of the electrical appliance 100. For convenience of description, the second function performing unit 270 is referred to as a “second unit”.

The additional function may correspond to a means for improving ease of use while the electrical appliance 100 is driven. That is, the additional function may be understood as a selection function or a convenience function that is not necessarily required for the electrical appliance 100 to perform an essential function.

The second unit 270 may be a component for performing such a convenient function. For example, the second unit 270 may include a display unit (screen, audio) or a light emitting unit for illuminating a predetermined space provided in the electrical appliance 100.

In the process of performing the essential function of the electrical appliance 100, the performance of the second unit 270 can be omitted. In addition, in the state where the performance of the second unit 270 is omitted, the electrical appliance 100 may perform the target function by using the first unit 260.

As described above, in the electrical appliance 100 having a first unit performing essential functions and a second unit performing additional functions other than the essential functions, the function of the second unit is based on information related to energy. Performance can be controlled.

The energy-related information includes the high-price information or low-price information. The high cost information and the low cost information may be classified based on a preset reference value (reference information value). The reference value may be formed in plural numbers.

If the information on the energy fee is recognized as expensive information exceeding the reference value, the performance of the second unit 270 having a relatively low importance of performance may be limited, that is, performance of additional functions.

The " limitation " of the functional performance includes interrupting the functional performance, delaying the functional performance, or reducing the output of the second unit 270.

In addition, the interruption of the function performance may include 'immediate stop' or 'interruption after a set time operation'. For example, when the OFF request of the display unit or the light emitting unit is recognized, the driving of the display unit or the light emitting unit may be turned off after a set time elapses from the recognized time point.

On the other hand, a plurality of second units 270 may be provided. For example, when the electrical appliance 100 is the refrigerator 110, the display unit and the refrigerator door for displaying the operating state of the refrigerator 110 may be opened as the second unit 270 in the refrigerator 110. When the light emitting part that includes the light is included.

Similarly, even when the electrical appliance 100 is a washing machine 120, a dryer 140, or a cooking appliance 150, the electrical appliance 100 may include a display unit and a light emitting unit.

Among the plurality of second units 270, priorities may be set according to energy consumption information, for example, an amount of energy consumed or a fee for using energy. In detail, the second unit 270 having a large amount of energy or an energy fee may be preferentially limited in operation.

For example, when the amount of energy when the light emitter is turned on is greater than the amount of energy when the display is turned on, the function performance of the light emitter may be preferentially limited.

On the other hand, when the level of the high cost information is higher, for example, when the energy fee is more expensive (when there are a plurality of the reference values), the performance of the display unit may be limited to subordinates. That is, the plurality of second units 270 may be relatively limited in operation according to the amount of energy consumed or the size of the energy fee.

On the other hand, the performance of the plurality of second units 270 may be limited depending on whether the energy consumption information is greater than or equal to a set value. As an example, if expensive information about the energy bill is recognized, one unit consuming energy above a set value may be limited in its functioning.

Such a restriction on performing the additional function may be performed in a state where the electrical appliance 100 is set to a power saving mode. The term "mode" may be understood as a concept including a specific component constituting the electrical appliance, a specific driving course or an administration, etc. with respect to the function performed by the electrical appliance 100.

The power saving mode is a mode in which the electric appliance is controlled based on the received information, and the general mode may be understood as a mode in which the electric appliance is controlled based on the received information.

When the power saving mode is selected, the electrical appliance 100 is when the energy consumption or usage fee when controlled based on the received information, for example, energy bill information, is controlled without the energy information (in the normal mode). Can be controlled to be less than the energy usage or usage fee).

17 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an additional function performing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the power of the energy consumption unit, that is, the electrical appliance 100 is turned on, energy information or additional information is received from the energy measuring unit 25 or the energy management unit 24 (S21, S22).

It is determined whether the energy information or additional information exceeds a reference value. For example, when the energy information exceeds the reference value (on-peak information), it may be determined that high cost information is received.

On the other hand, as described above, if not only the on-peak information, but also the energy saving information (curtailment) information and supply electricity quantity information is received, it can be determined that the high-cost (High-price) information has been received. For convenience of description, the drawing is limited to the case where the energy information or additional information exceeds a reference value.

If the energy information or additional information exceeds the reference value, control (limitation) of the second unit 270 may be determined. The control (limitation) method of the second unit 270 may include a function performance limit of the second unit 270, that is, a function execution stop, output reduction or delay driving of the second unit 270 ( S23, S24).

On the other hand, if it is recognized that the energy information or additional information does not exceed the reference value (off-peak information), the function performing unit available in the energy consumption unit 100, that is, the first unit 260 or Functioning of the second unit 270 may be performed according to a specific course.

On the other hand, as described above, if not only the off-peak information, but also the energy increase information and the supplied electricity quantity information, it can be determined that the low-cost (Low-price) information is received (S12).

In the process of determining whether the second unit 270 is limited in function performance, it may be recognized whether or not the second unit (additional function execution unit) that is the interruption target is in operation (S26).

When the second unit 270 is in operation, the driving of the second unit 270 may be immediately stopped, or may be delayed after stopping or stopping after a set time operation. Alternatively, the output of the second unit 270 may be reduced.

On the other hand, if the second unit 270 is in the driving OFF state, the OFF state of the second unit 270 may be maintained (S27 and S28).

According to such a control method, there is an effect that the performance of the energy consumption unit can be effectively restricted in the state where the expensive information is received.

Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described. This embodiment has a difference from the previous embodiment in that a plurality of additional function performing unit is included, it will be mainly described the difference.

18 is a flowchart illustrating a control method of an additional function performing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

When the power of the energy consumption unit, that is, the electrical appliance 100 is turned on, energy information or additional information is received from the energy measuring unit 25 or the energy management unit 24 (S31 and S32).

It is determined whether the energy information or additional information exceeds a reference value, that is, whether expensive information is received (S33).

When the energy information or additional information exceeds the reference value (recognized as high cost information), it may be determined whether the plurality of second units 270 are controlled (restricted). The control method of the plurality of second units 270 may include a function performance restriction of the second unit 270 (S34).

The control target may be selected based on the energy consumption information of the plurality of second units 270. The energy consumption information may include an amount of energy consumed or a fee for using energy of each second unit 270.

Among the plurality of second units 270, a unit having relatively large energy consumption information may be selected as a control target. That is, the function performance of a unit having a large energy consumption amount or a high energy bill may be limited (S35).

The operation of the selected second unit 270 may be immediately stopped, or may be delayed after stopping or stopping after the set time. Alternatively, the output of the second unit 270 may be reduced (S36).

On the other hand, if it is recognized that the energy information or additional information does not exceed the reference value (recognized as low cost information), the function performing unit available in the energy consumption unit 100 may be operated. The available function performing unit may include a plurality of second units 270 or first units 260 (S37).

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as in the previous embodiment will be described with reference to the previous embodiment and reference numerals, and the differences will be mainly described in comparison with the previous embodiment.

19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric appliance according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 19, the electrical appliance 100 as an “energy consuming unit” according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit 210.

The communication unit 210 may include an energy measuring unit 25 that recognizes additional information other than energy information or energy information, and an energy management unit that manages (controls) driving of the electrical appliance 100 according to the energy information or additional information. Communicate with at least one of the 24.

The electrical appliance 100 includes an input unit 220 for inputting a predetermined command, a display unit 230 for displaying driving information of the electrical appliance 100 or information recognized by the communication unit 210; The memory unit 250 stores the received information, that is, energy information (for example, energy charge information) or additional information (for example, environmental information), and a controller 200 for controlling these components.

In addition, the electrical appliance 100 includes one or more operating components 300 that can operate in a plurality of spaces and consume energy. The acting component 300 may be the electrical appliance 100 itself or may be an energy consuming unit constituting the electrical appliance 100.

The acting component 300 may selectively act on some of the plurality of spaces based on information relating to energy. For example, the energy information may include information based on whether the energy charge is high or low (energy charge up / down information).

For example, when the information on the energy fee is recognized as expensive information, the driving of the operating component 300 may be limited to one of the plurality of spaces.

“Limiting” the actuation of the actuation component 300 includes stopping the actuation, actuation delay or reducing the output of the actuation component 300. In addition, the driving stop of the action component 300 may include 'immediate stop' or 'stop after the set time operation'.

Selection of a space in which driving of the operating component 300 is restricted among a plurality of spaces may be made based on energy consumption information of the operating component 300 acting on each space.

For example, if the action of the acting component 300 is limited in one space and kept in another space, if the energy consumed is less than the opposite, then the acting component 300 is limited in the one space. And will be kept in other spaces.

Conversely, if the action of the acting component 300 is limited in another space and kept in one space and the energy consumed is less than in the opposite case, the acting component 300 is limited in the other space and the work Will be kept in space. That is, relative priority may be set to the selection of the space where the driving of the operating component 300 is limited.

On the other hand, the selection of the space in which the driving of the operating component 300 is limited may be made based on the size of the energy charge.

For example, when the energy charge up and down information is greater than or equal to the first reference value, the action of the action component 300 in one space may be limited, and when the energy charge up / down information is greater than or equal to the second reference value, the action of the action component 300 in another space may be restricted. have. Here, the second reference value may be greater than the first reference value.

20 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a component acting on a plurality of spaces according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the electrical appliance 100 according to the present invention includes a plurality of space portions 101 defined therein and an action component 300 capable of acting on the plurality of space portions 101. The plurality of space portions 101 include a first space 102, a second space 103, a third space 104, and an n-th space portion. The number of the spaces can be two or more, and will not be limited to any one.

One working component 300 acts on a plurality of spaces formed inside the electrical appliance 100. In addition, by the action of the action component 300, state information formed in the plurality of spaces may be changed.

The state information may include consumer processing state information of the plurality of spaces, a temperature value or a humidity value of the plurality of spaces.

The consumer can be, for example, an article or material that is used or processed in the operation of the component. For example, the consumer may be a laundry cloth in a washing machine, a food in a cooking appliance, a detergent or a fabric softener for washing a laundry cloth in a washing machine, a seasoning for cooking food, and the like.

For example, the temperature values of the plurality of spaces may include a temperature of a refrigerator storage room, an internal temperature of a cooking apparatus, an internal temperature of a washing apparatus, and an internal temperature of a laundry treatment apparatus (washing machine, dryer).

For example, the humidity values of the plurality of spaces may include humidity of a refrigerator storage room, internal humidity of a cooking apparatus, internal humidity of a washing apparatus, and internal humidity of a laundry treatment apparatus (washing machine, dryer).

Other embodiments are suggested.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of spaces 101 are described as being formed inside the electrical appliance 100. Alternatively, the plurality of spaces 101 may be formed outside the electrical appliance 100. .

For example, the plurality of spaces 101 may be a plurality of spaces connected to each other as a peripheral space in which the electrical appliance 100 is installed. Here, the electrical appliance 100 is an air conditioner, and the acting component 300 may be an indoor unit or a driving unit constituting the air conditioner.

21 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a component acting on a plurality of space units according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21, the electrical appliance 100 according to the present invention includes a plurality of space portions 101 and an action component 300 capable of acting on the plurality of space portions 101. The plurality of space portions 101 include a first space 102, a second space 103, a third space 104, and an n-th space portion. In addition, the working component 300 includes a plurality of components, that is, a first component 310, a second component 320, a third component 330, and an n-th component. The number of components may be two or more, and is not limited to any one.

The plurality of components 310, 320, 330 may operate in correspondence with the plurality of spaces 102, 103, 104. That is, the first component 310 is in the first space 102, the second component 320 is in the second space 103, and the third component 330 is in the third space 104. ) Will work.

Other embodiments are suggested.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of spaces 101 have been described as being formed inside the electrical appliance 100. Alternatively, the plurality of spaces 101 may be formed on the outside of the electrical appliance 100.

For example, the plurality of spaces 101 may be spaces in which a plurality of components are installed. Here, the electrical appliance 100 is an air conditioner, and the plurality of components may be an indoor unit or a driving unit constituting the air conditioner.

22 to 27 are block diagrams showing first to sixth embodiments of an electrical appliance according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 22, a first embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention relates to a refrigerator 110. The refrigerator 110 includes a refrigerating chamber 121 having a vegetable chamber 122 and a freezing chamber 125 having a special cooling chamber 127.

The plurality of components acting on the refrigerator 110 include a first component 310, a second component 320, and a third component 330. The first component 310 may act on the refrigerating chamber 121 and the freezing chamber 125, and the second component 320 and the third component 330 may act on the vegetable chamber 122 and the special cooling chamber 127, respectively. Can be.

In one example, the first component 310 may be a driving unit such as a motor or a compressor. In addition, the second component 320 may be a first damper member for selectively introducing cold air from the refrigerating chamber 121 into the vegetable chamber 122, and the third component 330 may be the special cooling chamber 127. It may be a second damper member for introducing a large amount of cold air at once.

Based on the energy charge up / down information, at least one component of the first component 310, the second component 320, and the third component 330 may be limited in driving thereof.

Referring to FIG. 23, a third embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention relates to a dishwasher 160. The dishwasher 150 includes a plurality of washing spaces 151, 152, 153 and a plurality of components 310, 320, 330 for supplying washing water to the plurality of washing spaces 151, 152, 153.

The plurality of washing spaces 151, 152, and 153 may be partitioned by a dish storage unit for storing dishes, for example, a dish rack, and include a first washing space 151, a second washing space 152, and a third washing. Space 153. The plurality of washing spaces 151, 152, and 153 may be arranged in different positions within the dishwasher 150.

The plurality of components 310, 320, and 330 correspond to the plurality of cleaning spaces 151, 152, and 153, respectively, and include a first component 310, a second component 320, and a third component 330. However, unlike shown in the drawings, one component may be configured to act on a plurality of washing spaces.

For example, the plurality of components 310, 320, and 330 may be washing jets (nozzles) for washing dishes located in the first cleaning space. Based on the energy charge up / down information, the driving of at least one component of the plurality of components 310, 320, 330 may be limited. Then, the washing operation may be performed in the washing space corresponding to the acting component.

Referring to FIG. 24, a second embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention relates to a cooking appliance 160. The cooking appliance 160 includes a plurality of cooking spaces 161, 162, 163 and a plurality of components 310, 320, 330 for applying a heat source to the cooking spaces 161, 162, 163.

The plurality of cooking spaces 161, 162, and 163 may be partitioned by a food storage unit inside the cooking appliance 160, and the first cooking space 161, the second cooking space 162, and the third cooking space 163 may be divided into three or more cooking spaces. Include. The plurality of cooking spaces 161, 162, 163 may be arranged in different positions inside the cooking appliance 160.

The plurality of components 310, 320, and 330 correspond to the plurality of cooking spaces 161, 162, and 163, respectively, and include a first component 310, a second component 320, and a third component 330. However, unlike shown in the drawing, one component may be configured to act on the plurality of cooking spaces.

For example, the plurality of components 310, 320, and 330 may be heating elements for heating foods located in the first cooking space. Based on the energy charge up / down information, the driving of at least one component of the plurality of components 310, 320, 330 may be limited. The cooking space corresponding to the acting component may be heated.

Referring to FIG. 25, a fourth embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention relates to a cold / hot water heater 170. The dishwasher 170 includes a plurality of storage spaces 171 and 172 and a plurality of components 310 and 320 for cooling or heating water stored in the plurality of storage spaces 171 and 172.

The plurality of storage spaces 171 and 172 include a first storage space 171 and a second storage space 172, wherein the first storage space 171 is a cold water tank, and the second storage space 172 is hot water. Can be tightened.

The plurality of components 310 and 320 correspond to the plurality of storage spaces 171 and 172, respectively, and include a first component 310 and a second component 320. For example, the first component 310 may be a drive motor or a compressor driven to cool water stored in the first storage space 171. In addition, the second component 320 may be a heating member for heating water stored in the second storage space 172.

Based on the energy charge up / down information, the driving of at least one component of the plurality of components 310 and 320 may be limited. Then, cooling or heating may be performed in the storage space corresponding to the acting component.

Referring to FIG. 26, a fifth embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention relates to an air conditioner 130. The air conditioner 170 includes a plurality of harmonic spaces 131 and 132 and a plurality of components 310 and 320 for conditioning air present in the plurality of harmonic spaces 131 and 132.

The plurality of harmonic spaces 131 and 132 include a first harmonic space 131 and a second harmonic space 132, and the first harmonic space 131 is a space (one indoor) outside the air conditioner 130. Space), and the second storage space 132 may be another space (other indoor space) outside the air conditioner 130.

The plurality of components 310 and 320 correspond to the plurality of harmonic spaces 131 and 132, respectively, and include a first component 310 and a second component 320.

For example, the first component 310 is an indoor unit or a driving unit (drive motor or compressor) operated to adjust the air present in the first harmonic space 131, and the second component 320 is the It may be an indoor unit or a driving unit (drive motor or compressor) that is operated to match the air present in the second harmonic space 132.

Based on the energy charge up / down information, the driving of at least one component of the plurality of components 310 and 320 may be limited. In addition, an air conditioning operation may be performed in the coordination space corresponding to the acting component.

Referring to FIG. 27, a sixth embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the present invention relates to a clothes treating apparatus 180. The clothes treating apparatus 180 may include a washing machine 120 or a dryer 140.

The clothes treating apparatus 180 includes a plurality of clothes processing spaces 181 and 182 and a plurality of components 310 and 320 which are driven to process (wash or dry) clothes stored in the plurality of clothes processing spaces 181 and 182. do.

The plurality of clothes processing spaces 181 and 182 may include a first clothes processing space 181 and a second clothes processing space 182, and the first clothes processing space 181 may be a space for processing one garment. The second clothing processing space 182 may be a space for processing other clothing. For example, the one garment may be clothing, the other clothing may be footwear.

The plurality of components 310 and 320 correspond to the plurality of clothes processing spaces 181 and 182, respectively, and include a first component 310 and a second component 320.

For example, the first component 310 may be a driving unit or a heat generating member for processing clothes stored in the first clothing processing space 181, and the second component 320 may be the second clothing processing space. It may be a driving unit or a heat generating member for processing clothes stored in 182.

Based on the energy charge up / down information, the driving of at least one component of the plurality of components 310 and 320 may be limited. In addition, a clothes treatment action may be performed in a clothes treatment space corresponding to the acting component.

Other embodiments are suggested.

In FIGS. 22 to 27, a plurality of spaces have been described as spaces that can be partitioned from each other. Alternatively, the plurality of spaces may be understood as spaces in which the action component acts at a plurality of positions as spaces that are not partitioned.

For example, the undivided space may be a clothes processing space of the clothes treating apparatus. The clothes treating apparatus includes a washing machine (a washing machine having a drying function) or a dryer.

The acting component may be a damper member for discharging air at different positions or a heating element provided at a plurality of positions for heating the circulating air.

24: energy management unit 25: energy measurement unit
100: electrical product 200: control unit
210: communication unit 220: input unit
230: display unit 250: memory unit

Claims (41)

A utility network comprising at least an energy generator;
A home network consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit and including a plurality of energy consuming units including at least one control unit for driving; And
An energy management unit is included to control driving of the plurality of energy consumption units based on the information related to the energy supplied to the plurality of energy consumption units.
The plurality of energy consumption unit,
And the driving sections of the plurality of energy consumption units are included in different time periods based on whether the energy fee information corresponds to high cost information. The method of claim 1,
The different time intervals are network systems having different energy rates. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the magnitude of the energy fee is an energy fee per unit time. The method of claim 2,
The magnitude of the energy charge is a cumulative charge during the period in which the energy consumption unit is driven. The method of claim 1,
The different time intervals,
And at least one of a driving start point and an end point of the plurality of energy consumption units is different. The method of claim 5, wherein
At least some sections of the driving section of the plurality of energy consumption units overlap each other. The method of claim 5, wherein
Among the plurality of energy consumption units, the driving of one energy consumption unit is started after the end of the operation of the other energy consumption unit network system. The method of claim 1,
In the plurality of energy consumption unit,
A first energy consumption unit; And
Compared to the first energy consumption unit, a network system including a second energy consumption unit, the amount of power consumption per unit time or energy usage fee is larger than the first energy consumption unit. The method of claim 8,
The first energy consumption unit or the second energy consumption unit, the network system, characterized in that the drive interval is determined based on whether the energy charge is above or below the set value. The method of claim 9,
In the set value,
An energy fee per unit time, or a cumulative energy charge during a driving period of the first energy consumption unit or the second energy consumption unit. The method of claim 9,
The set value includes a plurality of reference values. The method of claim 9,
And the second energy consumption unit is driven when the energy charge is less than or equal to the set value. The method of claim 8,
And wherein the second energy consumption unit is driven at an energy rate section lower than that of the first energy consumption unit. A utility network including an energy generator;
A home network consuming energy generated by the energy generating unit, the home network including an energy consumption unit including a first unit performing essential functions and a second unit performing functions other than the essential functions;
Is provided in the utility network or home network, and includes an energy management unit for managing information related to the energy bill in relation to the energy consumption unit,
And limiting the performance of the function of the second unit based on whether the energy fee information corresponds to the high cost information. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the high cost information,
And at least one of information in which the energy fee exceeds a reference value, energy reduction information, and supply shortage information. The method of claim 15,
And the reference value is at least one of an average value of an energy fee, an average value of minimum and maximum values of an energy fee for a predetermined section, and a reference rate of change of power information for a predetermined section. 15. The method of claim 14,
A function other than the essential function is an additional function that can be omitted in the driving process of the energy consumption unit. The method of claim 17,
In a state where the additional function is omitted, the energy consumption unit is capable of performing a predetermined target function. The method of claim 17,
The additional function,
Network system that includes a display or light emitting operation to output a screen or voice. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the performance limitation of the second unit,
Network system including interruption of function, delay or reduction of output of the second unit. 21. The method of claim 20,
In the function interruption,
A network system that includes an immediate interruption of a function or interruption after a set time operation. 15. The method of claim 14,
And a plurality of the second units are provided in the energy consumption unit. The method of claim 22,
The network system, characterized in that, among the plurality of second units, the performance of the second unit whose energy consumption information is equal to or larger than a set value is limited. 24. The method of claim 23,
The energy consumption information,
The amount of energy consumed or the energy bill consumed by the second unit is included. The method of claim 22,
In the plurality of second units,
A network system according to claim 1, wherein priority for limiting function performance is set. 15. The method of claim 14,
In the first unit,
Network system including a drive unit or a heat generating unit. A utility network including an energy generator;
A home network including an energy consumption unit for consuming energy generated by the energy generation unit;
An energy management unit provided in the utility network or a home network and managing information related to the energy bill in relation to the energy consumption unit; And
One or more components that can operate in a plurality of spaces defined inside or outside the energy consumption unit and consume energy,
Based on whether energy bill information corresponds to high cost information, wherein the component selectively operates in some of the plurality of spaces. The method of claim 27,
And when the energy price information corresponds to the high cost information, driving of the component is restricted in one of the plurality of spaces. 29. The method of claim 28,
In a method in which the driving of the component is limited,
A network system including stopping of the component, driving delay, or output reduction of the component. 29. The method of claim 28,
One space in which the driving of the component is restricted is determined based on priority or up and down of the energy charge. The method of claim 27,
The action of the component,
Processing the consumer located in the plurality of spaces;
Temperature control of the plurality of spaces; And
Network system including any one of the humidity control of the plurality of spaces. The method of claim 27,
And a plurality of components each corresponding to and acting on the plurality of spaces. The method of claim 27,
And the plurality of spaces are partitionable spaces. 34. The method of claim 33,
The plurality of spaces are formed in the inner space of the energy consumption unit. 35. The method of claim 34,
The plurality of spaces are formed in one of a storage compartment of a refrigerator, an internal space of a dish washing apparatus, an internal space of a cooking appliance, a hot water tank or a cold water tank of a water purifier, and a clothes processing space of a clothes treating apparatus. 34. The method of claim 33,
And the plurality of spaces are spaces formed outside the energy consumption unit. The method of claim 36,
The plurality of spaces are formed in the installation space in which the component is installed. 39. The method of claim 37,
Said component being an air conditioner. The method of claim 27,
And said plurality of spaces are undivided spaces defined as spaces in which said component operates in a plurality of locations. 40. The method of claim 39,
The undivided space is a network processing space of the clothes processing apparatus. 41. The method of claim 40,
The clothes treating apparatus is a washing machine or a dryer, and the component is a damping unit or a heating member provided in the clothes treating apparatus.

Images